Schalke secure Champions League return after win at Augsburg

Schalke’s return to the Champions League for the first time since 2014/15 was confirmed on Saturday following their 2-1 victory over Augsburg.

Domenico Tedesco’s side knew a point would be enough to secure their top-four finish but managed to secure all three, while Borussia Dortmund’s defeat to Mainz meant Schalke will finish runners-up behind Bayern Munich.

A run of four games unbeaten, which began with a 2-0 win against Dortmund last month, saw Schalke pick up form in the crucial stages of the campaign and they can relax ahead of their hosting of Europa League-chasing Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga’s finale next weekend.

A Royal Blue European tour ⚪ pic.twitter.com/8iQwXZiLVr

— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) May 5, 2018

Defender Thilo Kehrer was the hero on Saturday, scoring both goals for the Royal Blues to secure a 17th victory this season, second only to champions Bayern.

8 – For the first time in 8 years @s04_en will finish a #Bundesliga season in second place. International. #FCAS04 pic.twitter.com/3DF7w1Hl61

— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) May 5, 2018